CDC says vaccinated people can ditch the mask outdoors in many cases

The CDC says vaccinated people can safely ditch the mask outdoors, except in crowds like a concert or parade.

You can ditch the mask walking your dog or dining outside with friends if you are fully vaccinated from COVID-19. But keep it on for any outdoor crowded events like concerts, parades and sporting events. Wearing a mask in public spaces indoors also remains a must. That’s according to new guidance released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for people considered fully immunized – a milestone achieved two weeks after a person’s final vaccine shot. The new recommendations are a nod at research that’s confirmed the risk of transmission is considerably lower outdoors. The new guidelines could pave the way for states and local officials to relax mask mandates now that vaccination rates are climbing.